After a thrilling start to the 2026-27 football season, we are now entering the territory of the campaign’s first international break.
For fans of high-octane domestic action, it marks the start of a tough few weeks, though there is some exciting UEFA Nations League games to look forward to.
Of course, matches within League One and League Two also continue during this period, although each fixture is subject to the number of call-ups within a team’s squad – so do not expect the full usual schedule.
But back to the concept of the break itself and sadly for those who struggle with these international sabbaticals during a season, this pause is far longer than before.
Instead of taking up just one weekend, it stretches from September 21 all the way to October 6.
That means two consecutive weekends will feature international games rather than those from the Premier League, EFL Championship and the rest of the great top-flight divisions on the continent.
In fact, each European nation plays four games over the coming weeks instead of the customary two, which may feel a tad strange.
Below, we run through the reasoning behind the decision to extend the first international break of 2026-27, as well as detail some of the upcoming games.
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Why has the decision been made?
In 2023, the FIFA Council approved the decision to utilise an extended international break, citing player welfare as the primary reason behind the call.
Given a high number of footballers operate in different leagues to the country which they represent, this new schedule should limit mid-season disruption by theoretically reducing travel time.
Of course, the calendar is still jam-packed for elite-level players, but it is hard to see any negatives stemming from this change.
The current system remains in place until 2030, and there is talk that reducing the number of international breaks further could be a topic of discussion when the FIFA Council reconvenes.
Who are England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland playing in the extended international break?
England fixtures:
Saturday, September 26, 19:45 – England vs Spain (Nations League)
Tuesday, September 29, 19:45 – Czech Republic vs England (Nations League)
Saturday, October 3, 17:00 – Croatia vs England (Nations League)
Tuesday, October 6, 19:45 – England vs Czech Republic (Nations League)
Scotland fixtures:
Saturday, September 26, 14:00 – Slovenia vs Scotland (Nations League)
Tuesday, September 29, 19:45 – Scotland vs Switzerland (Nations League)
Saturday, October 3, 19:45 – North Macedonia vs Scotland (Nations League)
Tuesday, October 6, 19:45 – Scotland vs Slovenia (Nations League)
Wales fixtures:
Thursday, September 24, 19:45 – Portugal vs Wales (Nations League)
Sunday, September 27, 17:00 – Denmark vs Wales (Nations League)
Thursday, October 1, 19:45 – Wales vs Norway (Nations League)
Sunday, October 4, 19:45 – Wales vs Denmark (Nations League)
Northern Ireland fixtures:
Friday, September 25, 17:00 – Georgia vs Northern Ireland (Nations League)
Monday, September 28, 19:45 – Northern Ireland vs Hungary (Nations League)
Friday, October 2, 19:45 – Ukraine vs Northern Ireland (Nations League)
Monday, October 5, 19:45 – Northern Ireland vs Georgia (Nations League)
When are the rest of the 2026/27 international breaks?
The second international break of the season will take place from November 9-17.
And the final break of the 2026-27 campaign is pencilled in for March 22-30.
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